A Travel Price Comparison for Australia Adelaide vs. Cairns for Nightlife, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Adelaide or Cairns?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Adelaide and Cairns can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Adelaide

Adelaide is a welcoming, friendly, and under-rated city. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cairns

Cairns is a idyllic, outdoorsy, and adventure-filled city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Adelaide and Cairns: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Adelaide or Cairns?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cairns than Adelaide. While Adelaide is larger than Cairns, Cairns has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cairns is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Adelaide is more popular for its museums. Cairns is more touristy than Adelaide and is known for its stunning beaches, nearby rainforests, and easy access to the world's largest reef system. Also, Cairns is famous for the Great Barrier Reef. Adelaide is well known for its wine scene, vibrant festivals, green spaces, and local sporting events.

How is Adelaide different from Cairns?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairns and Adelaide. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Adelaide or Cairns?

Adelaide is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Adelaide. There are some interesting buildings along North Terrace such as the Parliament House, the State Library of South Australia, and the South Australian Museum. At the Botanic Garden there's the Santos Museum of Economic Botany. Also make sure you check out the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Cairns offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time exploring nature and the outdoors, but there are some interesting cultural sights around town as well. Make sure you check out the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park as well as the Cairns Aquarium.

Is the Food Better in Adelaide or Cairns? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cairns is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Cairns. Waterfront dining with a view is what makes the restaurant scene special. Seafood is everywhere and you can enjoy the catch of the day while you relax on a beachfront terrace. There are also international restaurants that have everything from Spanish tapas to Japanese noodle bowls.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Adelaide. There's great wine, local restaurants, and charming cafes. You'll find local dishes as well as international flavors around town. The local produce is good and the restaurants offer fresh and delicious recipes.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Nightlife?

Cairns is renowned for nightlife. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Cairns is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. For such as small city, the nightlife scene is incredibly vibrant, particularly during the peak tourist months. Backpackers are at the heart of the action, with many bars and clubs filling up each night with a young crowd. There are dance clubs, all night parties, cocktail bars, and beach side venues that are sure to offer a good time.

Adelaide has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is filled with rooftop bars, live music venues, and boutique wine bars. Whether you're looking for trendy and luxury or casual and laid back, there are many places to spend a night out.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Resorts?

Cairns is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Adelaide is not a resort destination.

In Cairns, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are many beautiful resorts that offer access to the beach and have impressive pools. There are family-friendly resorts, romantic resorts, and even some budget-friendly options.

Adelaide is not a resort destination.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cairns is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cairns is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. It's access to the Great Barrier Reef make this one of the world's top scuba diving and snorkeling destinations. The undersea world is filled with colorful coral, diverse tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and a truly magical setting.

Adelaide is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Beaches?

Cairns is renowned for its beaches. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beache.

Cairns is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Near town you'll find stunningly beautiful beaches that range from hubs of activity to quiet coves. Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is the closest beach to the city center and it has a sandy beach and plenty of amenities. For a quieter setting, head north to Holloways Beach or to the family-friendly Yorkeys Knob Beach. Do take note that if the beach doesn't have a stinger net, then it's recommended you wear a stinger suit (to avoid jellyfish stings).

Many people visit Adelaide for it's beautiful beaches. Part of what makes the city's beaches so great is how accessible they are. You don't have to go far to be at some of the area's best beaches. Glenelg is a family-friendly beach near town. It's also the most popular and most accessible. Brighton is relaxed with cafes and small restaurants nearby. And for seafood, head to Henley.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Hiking?

Cairns is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Around Cairns visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Near town you'll find wonderful national parks, lush rainforest, and beautiful mountain ranges. There are countless bush walks and hiking trails in the area. Head into the countryside and you'll get lost in nature and breathtaking views.

Adelaide offers some nice hiking trails. Outside of town there are national parks and reserves with hiking trails. You don't have to go far to explore the coastline or bushland in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Adelaide or Cairns?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Adelaide and Cairns.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Adelaide. Rundle Mall is the most well known shopping area in town. You'll find boutique shops as well as large department stores. Whether you're looking for international fashion brands or something more local, there are many places to explore.

Cairns is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's plenty of shopping around town in the form of shopping centers, markets, and boutique shops. Whether you're looking for trendy fashion or a fun souvenir, there are many places to explore.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Families?

Cairns is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Cairns is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest nearby, this is a playground for kids and adults alike. There are sandy beaches, rainforest walks, turtle rehabilitation centers, scenic railways, adventure sports, and so much more.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Adelaide. There are kids museums, water parks, playgrounds, and beaches that are fun to explore with children. The city has a family-friendly vibe with kid-friendly restaurants and a welcoming personality.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Couples?

Cairns is a very popular place for romance. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Cairns makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful tropical setting with world class beaches and diverse marine life. Couples who enjoy the outdoors and adventure will love this amazing destination. You can experience the area's wildlife, relax on sandy beaches, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. There is plenty of luxury, but also adventure-filled activities to choose from.

Adelaide makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A great date activity is a night at the opera. There are also boat rides, hot air balloon rides, and nice restaurants that make for a fun evening out.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cairns is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Adelaide is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Cairns. Backpackers flock to this coastal town for its easy access to the Great Barrier Reef and its many activities and vibrant energy. There are adventure sports, wild nightclubs, and no shortage of places to hang out with other backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Adelaide. It's not high on the list for many backpackers, but those who venture here will enjoy a great wine scene, beautiful beaches, and lively festivals.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Students?

Adelaide is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cairns is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Adelaide. It's a friendly and affordable city that has a nice student culture. It's very livable and accessible to other interesting places.

Cairns is not popular with students.

Is Adelaide or Cairns Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cairns is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Adelaide can get you to most places easily. There are bus, trains, and trams throughout the city center.

You'll find some public transit in Cairns, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Sunbus operates a public bus service that travels through the city center and to many beaches. Most routes start at Cairns City Mall.

Is Adelaide or Cairns a more walkable city?

Adelaide is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Cairns is lacking in options for its walkability.

Adelaide is a very walkable destination. The city is compact and laid out in a grid pattern, so it's easy to explore on foot.

Cairns is generally not very walkable. While you can walk around many parts of the city center, most visitors want to head into the rainforest or experience the nearby day trips, which require a vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Adelaide Worth Visiting? and Is Cairns Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairns or Adelaide?

How long in Adelaide or Cairns?

In either Adelaide or Cairns, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairns than Adelaide because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Adelaide, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairns.

Families should spend more time in Cairns than Adelaide. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cairns, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cairns than Adelaide. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cairns that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cairns than Adelaide if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Cairns.

One day in Adelaide or Cairns?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Adelaide. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The city of Cairns offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Adelaide or Cairns?

Adelaide is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Cairns is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Adelaide or Cairns?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Adelaide. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairns is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Cairns, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Adelaide or Cairns?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Adelaide. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Cairns is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Australia, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Adelaide and Cairns, we can see that Adelaide is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Pacific, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Adelaide Expensive? and Is Cairns Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Adelaide or Cairns?

Adelaide has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Cairns. When comparing the sizes of Adelaide and Cairns, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Adelaide or Cairns?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the southern hemisphere, summer is in January and winter is in July.

Should I visit Adelaide or Cairns in the Summer?

Both Cairns and Adelaide are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Adelaide for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cairns in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In January, Adelaide is generally cooler than Cairns. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 22°C (72°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cairns. In January, Adelaide usually receives less rain than Cairns. Adelaide gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 429 mm (16.9 in) of rain each month for the summer. The rainy season in Cairns is November to March.

Should I visit Adelaide or Cairns in the Autumn?

Both Cairns and Adelaide during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Adelaide in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cairns for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

Adelaide is much colder than Cairns in the autumn. The daily temperature in Adelaide averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Cairns gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Adelaide usually gets less rain in April than Cairns. Adelaide gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 273 mm (10.8 in) of rain this time of the year. April to October is the dry season in Cairns.

Should I visit Adelaide or Cairns in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Adelaide and Cairns. Most visitors come to Adelaide for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Cairns because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Adelaide is much colder than Cairns. Typically, the winter temperatures in Adelaide in July average around 11°C (52°F), and Cairns averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Adelaide usually receives more rain than Cairns. Adelaide gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Adelaide or Cairns in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Adelaide as well as Cairns. The spring months attract visitors to Adelaide because of the beaches. Additionally, the beaches are the main draw to Cairns this time of year.

In October, Adelaide is generally much colder than Cairns. Daily temperatures in Adelaide average around 16°C (61°F), and Cairns fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Adelaide usually gets less rain in October than Cairns. Adelaide gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Cairns receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to October in Cairns is the dry season. November to March in Cairns is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Cairns and Adelaide